In-depth review
KEEN Kids Targhee 4 Low Waterproof Review (2027)
The KEEN Kids Targhee 4 Low Waterproof brings KEEN.DRY sealing and a toe bumper to young hikers. Our research-based verdict.
KEEN Kids Targhee 4 Low Waterproof
The kids Targhee: KEEN.DRY waterproofing, a protective toe bumper and the wide, sturdy fit young hikers need.
Our verdict
The Kids Targhee 4 is the toughest kids hiking shoe in 2027 for families who hike real trails in wet weather: KEEN.DRY sealing, a rubber toe bumper, all-terrain grip and a wide fit that respects growing feet. The costs are weight, warmth in summer and a price that stings when feet grow fast. For kids who hike properly rather than stroll pavements, it is the shoe that keeps the walk going through mud, rain and rocks.
What we like
- KEEN.DRY membrane keeps feet dry through rain, mud and shallow puddles
- Rubber toe bumper protects small toes from rocks, roots and playground scrapes
- Wide, sturdy fit gives growing feet room without the shoe feeling sloppy
- All-terrain rubber traction grips on trails, wet grass and loose gravel
What to watch out for
- Sturdier build is heavier than the light Merrell kids shoe for running and play
- Waterproofing adds warmth, so feet can get hot on summer hikes
- Higher price than basic kids trainers, which stings when feet grow fast
What owners report: KEEN Kids Targhee 4 Low Waterproof
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- Parents praise the toughness, saying the shoes survive rocky trails and daily playground abuse alike
- Families report dry feet after rainy hikes, with the waterproofing holding up through mud
- Parents like the roomy fit, saying wide little feet finally have space to move
Common complaints
- Some parents find the shoe heavier than expected for younger, smaller kids
- A few report warm feet on summer walks, with the waterproof build trapping heat
- Parents note the price feels steep for a shoe outgrown within a season or two
Who it is for
Kids who hike proper trails in wet weather, and parents tired of trainers falling apart on family walks.
Built for how kids actually hike
Children do not pick lines around puddles or step delicately over rocks, and the Kids Targhee 4 is built for that reality. The toe bumper takes the scrapes that destroy trainer toes, the KEEN.DRY membrane keeps puddle water out, and the all-terrain sole grips on mud and wet grass where smooth soles slide. Parents report the shoes surviving trails and playgrounds alike, which is the real durability test for any kids shoe.
Fit that respects growing feet
The wide KEEN fit matters more for children than for adults, because squeezed toes in growing feet cause problems that last beyond the hike. The Kids Targhee 4 gives toes room to spread and move, and the strap-and-lace closure lets parents check and adjust the fit quickly. Measure both feet standing, fit to the longer foot, and leave a thumb's width of growing room without letting the heel slip.
Weight, warmth and the price question
This is not the lightest kids shoe, and parents of smaller children notice the weight on longer walks. The waterproof build also runs warm in summer, so hot-weather hikes call for a breathable shoe instead. And the price hurts when a growth spurt ends the shoe's life in a season. Against that, a shoe that survives a season of real trails costs less per hike than a cheap pair replaced twice, and dry, comfortable feet keep children hiking.
Key specifications
- Membrane
- KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane
- Style
- 1029564
- Upper
- Leather and textile
- Toe protection
- Rubber toe bumper
- Outsole
- All-terrain rubber traction
- Closure
- Hook-and-loop strap with laces
Also consider
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Low Waterproof (Kids)
The kids Moab, made light and fast: waterproof construction and a grippy sole in a shoe kids can actually run in.
Why consider it: A lighter, faster kids shoe for dry days and children who run trails
- Waterproofing: Waterproof construction, seam-sealed
- Outsole: Extra-grippy rubber
The updated Targhee: direct-attach construction, KEEN.DRY sealing and the same wide, forgiving fit in a tougher package.
Why consider it: The adult Targhee 4 for older kids moving into small adult sizes
- Membrane: KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane
- Construction: KEEN.FUSION direct-attach sole
Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Are KEEN kids shoes good for wide feet?
Yes, width is KEEN's signature strength, and the kids Targhee 4 carries it over: a roomy toe box that lets toes spread naturally. Wide-footed children who pinch in other brands usually fit comfortably here, though measuring both feet and fitting to the longer one still matters.
Can kids wear the Targhee 4 in summer?
They can, but feet will run warm, since the waterproof membrane traps heat. For hot, dry summer hikes, a breathable shoe like the Merrell kids Moab Speed 2 or a ventilated trainer suits better. Save the Targhee 4 for wet, cool and muddy conditions, where its sealing earns its warmth.
How do I make kids hiking shoes last longer?
Buy with growing room but not so much that heels slip, clean off mud after hikes, and dry at room temperature away from heaters. Rotate with a second pair if the child hikes weekly, since rest days let foam and leather recover. Even so, expect a season or two, not years, from any kids shoe.
Every guide on Hiking Shoes15 pages
- Topic hubHiking Shoes
- Best ofThe Best Hiking Shoes (2027)
- Kids hiking shoes fail in different ways from adult shoes. They get outgrown before they wear out, they get soaked in the first puddle, and they get kicked off when they pinch or rub. This guide leads with the two true kids shoes, one tough and waterproof, one light and fast, and adds adult shoes that work for older kids who have outgrown kids sizing. Fit matters more than features here: a shoe a child will actually keep on beats a technical shoe they hate.The Best Hiking Shoes for Kids (2027)
- Waterproof hiking shoes split by membrane, not by brand. Gore-Tex seals hardest and costs most, KEEN.DRY seals well in a wider, tougher shoe, and sealed non-membrane builds like the Crestwood keep rain out for less money. This guide ranks the membrane shoes first for genuinely wet conditions, and treats warmth as the real cost of waterproofing: every shoe here runs hotter than its breathable twin, so buyers in dry climates should look at the main guide instead.The Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes (2027)
- Lightweight hiking shoes trade protection for speed, and the honest question is how much protection a given trail actually needs. On maintained paths and runnable trails, a light shoe with good grip beats a heavy shoe every time, because tired legs cause more stumbles than thin uppers do. This guide ranks the lightest, softest shoes first for fast day hikes, and keeps one technical Gore-Tex option for hikers who want light weight without giving up waterproofing entirely.The Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes (2027)
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